Hi, gang! Today we’ve got a super duper special edition of our featured photographer post for you. This week we’re showcasing none other than BP4U’s own Brooke Bustillos. In addition to being the founder of BP4U and running the place like a kick-butt rock star, Brooke’s a pro when it comes to engagement and wedding photography. Her work is splashy, vibrant and will always put you in a better mood.
In Brooke’s own words: “I love all things weddings, shooting weddings, going to weddings, watching wedding movies! I heart weddings. I also heart my two precious boys, baby Broox and Bex. Reality shows are my guilty pleasure, as well as slushies, Red Bull, coffee and Jimmy Johns!”
Meet Brooke Bustillos
When did you first realize you wanted to be a photographer?
I first realized I wanted to be a photographer in college. It was a toss up between journalism and photography, and then I realized I had to solely focus on photography. I couldn’t think about anything else. I was consumed with all things photography, anything I could learn about, how to market it. I love it! I first realized I wanted to be a wedding photographer shortly after I went into photography full time. There’s a rush you get when you are in the mad chaos of a wedding that I absolutely thrive off of! For some strange reason, I love the rigidness of the schedule and trying to get everything in while making everything and everyone look fabulous.
When and how did you start out in photography?
I started my photography business in 2005 and went full time in 2008. I was attending an art school for photography and realized I was booking more and not being able to keep up with my clients, I quit school and my day job and literally just went all in. Was that the most logical decision I’ve ever made? Probably not. However, I’m so glad that at the time I was young enough to not be scared to fail.
How would you describe your style?
Bright, poppy, colorful, full of life, bold and clean!
What’s in your gear bag?
All things Canon, baby! 5DMark iii, 5dMark ii (backup), 35mm f/1.4L, 50mm f/1.2L, 70-200mm f/2.8L, 100mm f/2.8, 24-70 mm f/2.8, 16-35mm f/2.8L, Speedlite 580EX ii (x3)
What’s one lens you can’t live without?
The Canon 135mm f/2.0L. Now, I guess I can live without it because I don’t have it, but man I really want this bad boy! The lens that I currently own that is my go-to is the 50mm for portraits and the 70-200mm for weddings!
How did know when the right time to start charging was?
When I knew I really wanted to make this a full time thing not just a hobby, I knew it was the right time to charge. Plus, I don’t have my uncle come over and give me a new roof for free so others shouldn’t expect you to take all the time for photos for free. You don’t work for free, you work for a fee. 🙂
How much did you charge for your first session and how much are you charging for the same type of session now?
My first wedding I was charging about $300 to $500. Now I charge $3500 to $5500.
How did you market yourself when you started out?
I did everything I could possibly think of. I put out at advertisements in the local deal ads in the paper. I put up postcards all around town. I even advertised on a Mexican restaurant’s placemat! Keepin’ it classy and real!
Name the first person that comes to mind when you think of the following:
- Newborn photographer: Jessica Vaughn Photography
- Wedding photographer: Jasmine Star
- Lifestyle photographer: The Sleeping Willow
- Most inspiring person: Steve Jobs
Name the first thing that comes to mind when you think of:
- Prop vendor: Prop Insanity
- Photography Book: All our wonderful eBooks over at BP4U (Shameless plug. I couldn’t help myself.)
- Photography Blog: Click It Up A Notch!
Did you go to school for photography or were you self- taught? If self-taught, what helped you the most?
I did go to school for photography, but I dropped out. Agh! I would say I was mainly self taught. The Internet helped me tremendously. I would get on all the photography blogs, forums and YouTube.
What has been some of the hardest things to overcome in your business?
The hardest things have been balancing my family and my business. That is so hard! Another area I struggle with is being overly critical of my work and comparing myself to others. Doesn’t everyone struggle with this? Guh, wish there was some magic app on my computer that could tell when I’m gawking at another photographers work it would just shut down my computer.
Do you have any tips for photographers just starting out?
My main thing is don’t give up. This seems like a simple thing, but for real: don’t give up. If you’re not getting inquiries or if you’re feeling like this isn’t right for you, just keep going and make sure to give it everything you can possibly give so that you don’t have any regrets! There have been so many times I was just like, “Forget this. I’ll go do another job.” I’m so thankful I didn’t let those little bumps — even though I thought they were huge mountains then — bring me down! Whenever you’re about ready to quit, just keep telling yourself that’s the point everyone else does and to push through it. 🙂
If for some reason you couldn’t be a photographer what do you think you would be?
Entrepreneur of some sort. I love creating and marketing businesses!
What’s the best lesson in photography that you’ve learned so far?
Don’t do what everyone else is doing in your business. If you want to stand out, you have to not be afraid to go against the grain and be you. A lot of the times I don’t have a hard time doing that with my creativity and with shooting, but in business you have to remember this, as well.
Find Brooke Bustillos online:
BP4U Photography Resources: